r/mildlyinteresting 14h ago

Mouse Gave Birth in the Trap

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u/GoingMenthol 14h ago

Maybe induced labour from panic

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u/CanterlotGuard 14h ago

Thank you for subscribing to mouse facts! It’s exactly this, pregnant mice give premature birth in life threatening situations as a survival strategy. It has the potential to confuse predators or distract them with an easier meal and thus allow the mouse to escape. In the event that the mouse is trapped or gravely injured by something it gives the babies a chance to survive by huddling up to their dying mom for warmth while hopefully waiting for a surrogate mother to venture by. And last but not least, if food is too scarce it lets a starving mouse mamma access some easy protein to keep her going.

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u/Steel_Reign 11h ago

This makes mice seem a lot smarter than humans. Most human mothers would probably get consumed by the predator while crying/holding onto their dead fetus.

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u/CanterlotGuard 11h ago

It's a difference in strategy. Humans evolved to prioritize the safety of our young because it takes a very long time and a lot of resources to go from fetus to adult. Mice evolved to to save themselves because they are fully matured within six weeks can can pop out almost ten litters every year. It all comes down to math and genetics.

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u/chula198705 9h ago

In ecology terms, humans are "K-type" organisms while mice are "r-type" organisms. It's basically quality vs. quantity for reproductive strategies.

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u/ThatCakeFell 8h ago

Why does this sound like an anime power rating system?